AC34 • Aston Martin DBS '08

"DBS", three letters that resonate at Aston Martin since 1967. That year, Gaydon brand offers a modern and sporty estate with the DB6. 40 years later, the DBS comes back and appears as an outgoing DB9, inflated testosterone and driven by a genuine and incredible atmospheric V12. Now more accessible, is it worth the investment?

Technical sheet

Model	Aston Martin DBS
Engine	6.0 V12 517 horses
Dimensions	4.72 x 1.90 x 1.28 meter
Mass	1 695 kg
Marketing	2007-2012
average coast	150 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	4"3
max	302 km/h
Consumption	15.8 l / 100 km
Date and place	September 26, 2015, Le Mans

Full range . When Aston Martin DB9 markets in 2004, the reviews are mixed but welcomed unanimously the authenticity of the model, a strong atmospheric V12 of great nobility. But the beautiful is not really sports, it's more of a GT, which means it is a clever compromise between luxury and dynamism. However, customers are there and the DB9, which incorporates the ingredients of the previous DB7 rapidly climb. The Vanquish, which is experiencing a confidential career, is the top of the range of the English brand, while the V8 Vantage, which rears its grille in 2005, appears as a pleasant range of input and less aggressive on the tariff plan. The range and consituée holds, and allows Aston Martin to take color and modernize its image. But in 2007, the Vanquish S, which has succeeded the Vanquish "Basic" is breathless, and quite random reliability problems the push toward the exit.

Aggressive desire . At first glance, the DBS color displays. It was she who took over in late 2007 the Vanquish.The relationship with the DB9 is real and is found in the particular line. Yet it does not drift directly, coasts are different. While Vanquish sported a graceful and imposing line, the DBS 2007 vintage prefers to play the card of sportiness, and she does not hide his ambitions, quite the contrary. Some of these appendages seem straight from the DBR9 which more or less conspicuous in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Large gaping mouth, perforated hood, aggressive bumpers ... Almost everything inspires sportiness. It must be said that Aston Martin could settle for a simple upgrade. On the one hand, it was necessary to offer a worthy progeny the Vanquish and the other, it was necessary to honor the DBS in the late 60s. The career began in a rather unconventional way, it is in a James Bond it is unveiled to the public. A nice business platform.

Collector of superlatives . Aesthetically, the design is decidedly more nervous than the DB9, the gentleman side takes a big hit. Many details are added, such as recessed door handles, more generous side air intakes, translucent lights and lines drawn for an aggressive style to perfection. The whole remains very pure and coherent whole, the line being graceful and balanced. Therefore, it seems illusory to find any typo in this grade plastic where nothing was left to chance. It uses all the stylistic codes at both the glazing and for darkfield profiled headlights or polished rims look great. It is a fact, the Aston Martin DBS crop of superlatives in every corner. A sympathy capital well above its German competitors, except perhaps the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Effective . Under the hood, there is atmospheric V12 six-liter engine borrowed from the DB9 but here it develops 517 horsepower thanks to a vitamin cure. the intake and exhaust have been revised while the air vents allow better air circulation. The V12 wins responding, acceleration is more frank and even better times.But that does not make a sport so far. The beautiful DBS certainly accuse nearly 200 kg less than the DB9 but its total mass still reached 1.7 tons ... And 40 kg of more if the automatic transmission gets your preference.A substantial mass that is quickly forgotten as the driving chassis is an example of efficiency. The suspensions are adjusted to the millimeter while the anti-roll bars are used to walking the meandering mountain roads with ease. Acceleration is brutal, frank ... and the sound is enjoyable, the song of the atmospheric V12 reflects an era that is coming to an end, at a time when downsizing already reigns in many sports car manufacturers .

Good and less good . The rims are 20 inch front and rear, with tires that reach almost 30 centimeters wide at the rear. The high precision of the front axle allows to always include the DBS in curves, defining the driving mode corresponding to the current requirements of its driver. To satisfy the fans of the brand and mechanical nobility in general, a manual transmission is offered as well as its automatic counterpart to six reports. The set is bright, with a box like the other, with the 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 seconds. GT in the soul, it competes with the Ferrari 599 GTB and other Bentley Continental GT. Last good point distributed, that of disconnection, ABS and ESP for fun somewhat behind the wheel. After the beautiful course has some disadvantages, such an execrable rear visibility and consumption that can climb to 20 liters per 100 kilometers without overwriting the right pedal all the way!

Chic and sober . In the back, we find a completely new diffuser incorporating two tailpipes on the edges and allowing good air circulation . Braking not toothless, thanks to ventilated discs with four partially carbon-ceramic calipers with 6 and 4 pistons. We also note the parking sensors to compensate for the low rear visibility. Integrated subtly, they do not alter the line but add weight. And on this point, the device lacks nothing, matt carbon veneers, alcantara, leather and quality carpeting support a air conditioning, a sound system of 700 watts that would turn pale tuning enthusiasts but also an onboard phone. But it also hides weaknesses, such as the steering wheel that seems from another time and instrumentation that lacks class, we have seen better, especially in Aston Martin!

Dear DBS . During marketing from 2007 to 2012, lending 500 copies were released annually factories in Gaydon. Posted at € 241,400 excluding any option and new, the Aston Martin DBS at a higher rate than the Bentley Continental GT W12 engine and equivalent to that of the Ferrari 599 GTB. Suffice to say it was quite competitive in its class. Quickly, sales are linked in relatively classic, black or gray configurations and some red or white copies ... But our beautiful DBS rapidly loses potential customers when the Aston Martin V8 Vantage entry equip itself with a sultry version of the V12 which is taken from the DBS. A similar power, a slightly lower weight, equivalent equipment ... And all € 100,000 cheaper! Inevitably, the DBS is to disappear in 2012, replaced by a second base Vanquish posting a 573 horsepower power, always with an atmospheric V12 under its long hood.

The right choice . The back has gained by adopting modern translucent lights, taken from the DB9 of the same vintage. Genuine car passion, the Aston Martin DBS 2007 vintage is appreciated for its homogeneity, its demonic performance and high level of comfort. Even more complete than the DB9, it does lack a cure relief even more drastic to compete with models temperament more playful and sporty. On the second hand market, the DBS does not undergo the collector effect and are therefore subject to a fairly sharp discount, count around € 150,000 for a nice copy.

In occasion . It is difficult to resist the Aston Martin DBS, worthy descendant of the original DBS, produced from 1967 to 1972, first with a 6-cylinder in-line and with a V8. These models are now very rare. The DBS V12 we have here is much less, it is still quite present on the second hand market, mainly from professionals.Copies are generally in good condition, well maintained and little kilometers. It must be said that between the cost of maintenance and the fuel daily use seems rather excessive!

Should I buy an Aston Martin DBS?

True sporting GT in strong character, the DBS does not hide his claims nor its aggressive plastic or with the temperament of its V12 engine, both tasty, powerful and authentic. A model full of charm that makes heads turn as purist as younger who quickly recognized the star Four Wheel "Casino Royal". Rely € 150,000 to reach collector before the hour.